As 2022 involves an finish, there are nonetheless a number of questions on followers’ minds. To assist work by some highly regarded White Sox questions, we put collectively this mailbag primarily based in your fan questions!
To finish 2022, we’re doing yet another mailbag article.
Drop your White Sox query beneath and we’ll reply them ⬇️
— Sox On thirty fifth (@SoxOn35th) December 26, 2022
Matters included Andrew Benintendi’s contract, the White Sox second base state of affairs, expectations for the group and sure gamers in 2023, some potential blockbuster trades, and a complete lot extra. Thanks for all of your questions – I attempted to reply all of them.
Now, let’s get into it!
@MaxNWeiss: “If you happen to’re Rick Hahn, and also you need to pull off one blockbuster commerce to vary the group, who would you wish to see it for, and what does it seem like to you structure-wise?
This a terrific query. I’ll think about a blockbuster to be one which adjustments the present “core” for the White Sox: Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, Andrew Vaughn, Dylan Stop, Michael Kopech, Tim Anderson, and Yoan Moncada all would apply right here.
That stated, I’d commerce Tim Anderson. That’s going to be controversial, but when the White Sox consider in Colson Montgomery, he could also be up by 2024. Alternatively, we’ve seen the free-agent shortstop market explode this offseason, and since no group that misplaced a shortstop acquired one of many predominant 4, there are a number of groups that might use a shortstop. That being stated, the White Sox are a type of groups, so I’m unsure how a lot sense it makes. Nonetheless, I don’t know if the White Sox can pay Anderson long-term both, so it might make sense to strike whereas the iron is sizzling.
Groups I feel might use a shortstop within the short-term? The Cardinals, Crimson Sox, Angels, Mariners, and Braves all make sense. I’d add the Giants right here too, since, effectively, you recognize…
However, as the ultimate candidate, I’m going to choose the Angels right here, as I feel they match up the most effective. May one thing like Anderson for Zach Neto and Logan O’Hoppe make sense? I wouldn’t hate including in Jo Adell as a flier both, although his worth is way from the place it as soon as was. However a center infielder of the longer term plus a possible catcher of the longer term for 2 years of Tim Anderson to attempt to maximize Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout? It is smart to me. Reid Detmers might make sense right here too, however not essentially underneath the identical construction – that may be extra of a one-for-one swap.
@GregMiller86: “Is there any likelihood the Sox backloaded the Benintendi contract, which nonetheless hasn’t been formally introduced, with a view to push extra money to 2024 and past, thus releasing up cash for the rest of this offseason? Maybe leaving room for one more FA signing?”
I don’t assume they’ll backload the contract – this isn’t one thing the White Sox have completed a ton in current reminiscence. What I might see them doing, nonetheless, is giving Benintendi a number of his 2023 wage within the type of a signing bonus.
I received’t bore you with too many particulars, however signing bonuses are the primary distinction between the quantity we think about to be the group’s payroll and the quantity that’s reported because the group’s luxurious tax wage – the one which will get counted in opposition to luxurious tax penalties. I don’t know if or how Jerry Reinsdorf views these numbers in another way – the payroll quantity is the one that really represents how a lot cash is popping out of his pockets on the 12 months. In the event that they do see these numbers in another way, might we see the White Sox give Benintendi a $6M signing bonus that shaves $4.8M off of the payroll? Possibly.
| 2023 | $9M | $1.2M | $15M | $10.2M | +$4.8M |
| 2024 | $15M | $1.2M | $15M | $16.2M | -$1.2M |
| 2025 | $15M | $1.2M | $15M | $16.2M | -$1.2M |
| 2026 | $15M | $1.2M | $15M | $16.2M | -$1.2M |
| 2027 | $15M | $1.2M | $15M | $16.2M | -$1.2M |
| 2023-27 | $69M | $6M | $75M | $75M | +/- $0M |
Would about $5M actually make a distinction? I’m not too positive.
To ensure that it to actually make a distinction, they’d virtually have to present him a $10M signing bonus, which might shave $8M off of the group’s anticipated payroll quantity for 2023.
| 2023 | $5M | $2.0M | $15M | $7.0M | +$8.0M |
| 2024 | $15M | $2.0M | $15M | $17.0M | -$2.0M |
| 2025 | $15M | $2.0M | $15M | $17.0M | -$2.0M |
| 2026 | $15M | $2.0M | $15M | $17.0M | –$2.0M |
| 2027 | $15M | $2.0M | $15M | $17.0M | -$2.0M |
| 2023-27 | $65M | $10M | $75M | $75M | +/- $0M |
Once more, this doesn’t make a distinction by way of the precise luxurious tax quantity, but when the White Sox are involved strictly in regards to the bodily {dollars} paid out in 2023, this can be the way in which they do it. $8M would undoubtedly purchase them a fourth outfielder or a part of a second baseman of their selecting.
What they determine to do undoubtedly will say loads about how this group views itself and the required additions nonetheless required, in addition to their present funds. If there’s one group who’s tough to determine financially, it’s the White Sox.
@MillennialSox: “If the Sox aren’t going to signal a second baseman and go together with inner choices as has been reported, who do you like to get the primary likelihood/most reps: Romy Gonzalez or Lenyn Sosa?”
Who I choose and who I feel are seemingly two completely different choices right here:
- I feel the White Sox will begin with Romy Gonzalez
- I would favor the White Sox to present Lenyn Sosa the job
The explanation I feel they’ll begin with Gonzalez is that he has extra major-league expertise – although it’s removed from huge. It has nothing to do with Sosa’s comparatively unsuccessful stint in 2022 on the MLB degree – I’m not studying a lot into his 36 PA from 2022, and neither do you have to.
What’s the differentiator for me, you ask? A few issues, which we’ll talk about beneath. Nonetheless, by way of total participant profiles, Sosa did one factor in another way in 2022 that offers him the sting for me:
Let’s begin with Gonzalez. Romy Gonzalez has by no means been a prolific walker. Over the course of his minor league profession, his highest stroll fee got here in 2021 with an 11.0% stroll fee in 344 PA in AA. Since then, he has posted stroll charges underneath 10%, together with an anemic 1.8% stroll fee in 109 MLB plate appearances in 2022.
On high of this, Gonzalez has constantly struck out a wholesome quantity when he’s been on the sector. The bottom strikeout fee he’s posted in his profession was a 25% strikeout fee in 60 AAA plate appearances in 2021. Each different 12 months, that fee has been above 26% wherever he has gone. This boom-or-bust profile provides him the power to have unimaginable stretches on the plate (.339/.356/.500 over 59 PA to start out 2022) however expertise the lows simply as rapidly (.122/.140/.184 in his closing 50 PA). When hitters undergo slumps on the plate, you’d wish to know that they may be capable of nonetheless contribute on the plate. Most hitters do that within the type of walks. Walks are a constant type of manufacturing – that’s why they matter. In Gonzalez’s case, they haven’t been notably current.
Lenyn Sosa, on the identical time, doesn’t stroll a ton. Nonetheless, he made a transparent change in the precise course in 2022, elevating his stroll fee from as little as 1.7% in AA in 2021 to a constant 7.3% in AA and AAA in the course of the 2022 season. This was only one sign of true maturity and alter in plate strategy in 2022, tapping into his energy a bit extra (23 HR) whereas concurrently reducing his strikeout charges (13.8% in AA, 17.4% in AAA – in comparison with a couple of 22% strikeout fee in 2021 in A+ and AA mixed).
What’s additionally clear about Sosa all through his profession is that it takes him a little bit of time to regulate to the following degree he performs at. As soon as he adjusts, nonetheless, he’s extremely productive.
- First 121 AA PA (2021): .214/.240/.282, 1 HR, 7 RBI
- Subsequent 289 AA PA (2022): .331/.384/.549, 14 HR, 48 RBI
- First 98 AAA PA (2022): .275/.316/.407, 2 HR, 10 RBI
- Subsequent 149 AAA PA (2022): .311/.376/.511, 7 HR, 21 RBI
Once more, all of this manufacturing comes with a mean stroll fee, which isn’t extremely inspiring, but additionally comes with well-below-average strikeout charges. The very best strikeout fee he’s ever posted was 23.1% in these 121 PA in AA to finish his 2021 season. Sosa has additionally produced whereas being 22 years previous, effectively beneath the age most gamers are at for every degree. He continues to be spectacular, and if the White Sox view him because the second baseman of the longer term – which, he has completely put himself into that territory – it will profit the group to present him the plate appearances obligatory to regulate early within the season.
All this being stated, I feel the White Sox will select to ease Sosa into the main leagues by letting Gonzalez and Leury Garcia deal with the vast majority of second base early within the season. I feel this might be a Tim Anderson-like state of affairs when he initially got here up in 2016 to switch Jimmy Rollins. Whereas I’m not suggesting Sosa is the following TA, I’m suggesting the White Sox have a sample in how they deal with their infield prospects.
So, I choose Sosa, and could be pleasantly stunned if he began the 12 months because the beginning second baseman. Let’s see if he can earn it in Spring Coaching – except plans fully shift and the White Sox herald exterior assist.
@JohnathanNess: “Who would be the Opening Day 2B? With the Mets infield overloaded, any likelihood Sox can commerce Hendriks and possibly somebody like Ramos for McNeil? Or is Segura extra seemingly?”
I feel the Opening Day second baseman is whoever wins the Spring Coaching battle between Lenyn Sosa, Romy Gonzalez, and Leury Garcia. If not certainly one of them, I feel the White Sox commerce for somebody – I’m unsure Segura is the reply, as I actually assume somebody at present on the roster may give the group good protection and a .700 OPS. I simply don’t assume it’s the most effective allocation of funds to spend cash on a .720-ish OPS second baseman at a weak place league-wide.
I additionally don’t assume Jeff McNeil is offered – an infield of Correa, Lindor, and McNeil is stacked with none actual challengers (Eduardo Escobar, Mark Vientos, and Brett Baty are all worse than the aforementioned trio). Although, if the White Sox had been to commerce Hendriks, they need to be asking about McNeil – the Mets seemingly notice they’re higher with McNeil than they’re with Hendriks and with out McNeil, particularly with Edwin Diaz on the again finish of the bullpen already.
@Sox_mathteacher: “With restricted choices, would you concentrate on getting the most effective protection doable at 2B even on the sacrifice of offense or would you somewhat sacrifice protection for a greater bat?”
With the shift ban for 2023 and past, protection turns into a extra essential a part of the equation at a place that already doesn’t have too many offensive standouts.
To place this in perspective: solely 19 gamers in baseball had a participant with sufficient plate appearances to be thought of a “certified” second baseman. There are 30 MLB groups. Of these 19, 13 had a wRC+ over 100, and solely six of them had a wRC+ above 110. Evaluate this to proper discipline, which had 20 “certified” gamers, 16 of whom had a wRC+ at or above 100. Of these 16, 12 had a wRC+ over 110. So, when individuals are attempting to choose between upgrading second base or upgrading proper discipline, that’s why I’ve at all times most well-liked to improve proper discipline (or the outfield usually) offensively. You run the chance of falling farther behind at this place in comparison with the remainder of the league.
So, to reply this query: prioritize protection, and see what offense can come because of this. Romy Gonzalez and Lenyn Sosa would each be fully passable second basemen, assuming you belief scouting studies and historic numbers. Gonzalez posted +1 Outs Above Common (OAA) in simply 74 makes an attempt at second base in 2022, so he’s greater than succesful. Sosa has a powerful observe document within the minor leagues as effectively, and scouts think about his protection to be strong at second base.
@nocrackers30: “Does Yolbert Sanchez have an opportunity within the 2B competitors throughout Spring Coaching, or is he just about completed as a prospect seeing as how he’s not on the 40-man roster anymore?“
So, right me if I’m fallacious, however Yolbert Sanchez was by no means on the White Sox’ 40-man roster. It was a subject of dialog final 12 months however by no means transpired. Nonetheless, Sanchez has at all times been a defense-first prospect. His bat did battle to maintain up along with his promotion to AAA, although his bat confirmed indicators of life on the finish:
- Might: .261/.337/.341
- June: .270/.301/.303
- July: .237/.275/.329
- August: .304/.341/.317
- September: .300/.330/.389
With the shift ban, there’s a potential place for him on the main league roster. Nonetheless, that spot is probably going taken up by Leury Garcia at present. Sanchez serves as nice depth for the group defensively, and will seemingly contribute on Opening Day if the group wanted him. Nonetheless, if he’s struggling to submit a .700 OPS in AAA, the bat will seemingly proceed to battle within the majors. This might be what holds him again.
Whereas we’re speaking about roster designations, it needs to be fairly telling that Sanchez was Rule 5 Draft-eligible this offseason, however no group chosen him and the White Sox felt no want to guard him. This implies nobody feels that assured about placing him on a roster for a full 162 video games fairly but.
@DrunkPito: “What do you concentrate on buying and selling for Luis Rengifo?”
Rengifo could be an fascinating choice on the floor. He hit 17 dwelling runs final season, although he did so with a 3.3% stroll fee and 15.5% strikeout fee. He additionally posted an OBP beneath .300 (.264/.294/.429 slash line) however did slug a substantial quantity for the place. He hits from each side of the plate, so he checks a field there.
All that stated, there are a number of drawbacks right here. His wOBA/xwOBA splits aren’t precisely encouraging (.314 wOBA/.296 wOBA), and his total manufacturing on the place was fairly lackluster all issues thought of. He additionally isn’t robust defensively, posting -3 OAA in 2022 at second base. Maybe I’m overly optimistic, however I feel there’s a likelihood the White Sox might discover a .724 OPS on the place internally. I’m additionally cautious about placing an excessive amount of inventory into his 2022 efficiency which appears due for a little bit of regression as somebody who chases a ton, doesn’t stroll, and doesn’t hit the ball arduous (fifteenth percentile in hard-hit fee).
So, I wouldn’t thoughts taking a flier, however I do concern he could also be a quad-A-type participant. I’m all for creating competitors on the place in Spring Coaching.
@NicholasSelvy: “What kind of season do you anticipate from Kopech after getting extra innings underneath his belt?”
In some ways, Michael Kopech’s 2022 season was similar to the 2020 model of Dylan Stop:
- 2022 Kopech: 21.3 Okay%, 11.5 BB%, 3.54 ERA, 4.50 FIP
- Remaining 10 begins: 18.9 Okay%, 11.2 BB%, 3.86 ERA, 4.68 FIP
- 2020 Stop: 17.3 Okay%, 13.3 BB%, 4.01 ERA, 6.36 FIP
Now, I’m conscious Kopech was battling some accidents in 2022, and fortunately, a number of the superior metrics appreciated Kopech’s 2022 season greater than they appreciated Stop’s 2020 season. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless a number of work for Kopech to do on the shaping of his pitches, particularly his slider (shameless plug for a earlier article I wrote right here).
In contrast to most individuals, I don’t essentially anticipate Kopech to be a completed product in 2023. In my projected rotation, I at all times line him up both third or fourth, behind Stop, Lynn, and probably a rebounded Giolito. He solely hit 110 innings final season – and whereas that is precisely what the White Sox wanted from him, anticipating him to jumpy proper as much as 160 innings and carry out at a excessive degree is a troublesome process for any participant. Basically, I do assume expectations have to be tempered a bit.
I nonetheless assume extremely of Kopech and his long-term future in baseball as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. That stated, if Kopech had a 2023 season that resembled Dylan Stop’s 2021 season, the White Sox aren’t going to lose many video games as a consequence of their beginning rotation. I feel we’d all be fairly pleased with a season that represents a transparent step ahead for Kopech that additionally casts apart any remaining doubts about his capacity to stay within the rotation.
@TheCreativeJC: “Assuming the Sox are completed with massive additions, what’s essentially the most practical expectation heading into subsequent 12 months?
I’m assuming this query means by way of their efficiency for 2023. I could also be loopy, however I’m fairly optimistic total about what this group can do in 2023. I imply, that is very a lot the identical group that received 93 video games in 2021. Certain, Jose Abreu and Carlos Rodon aren’t round, however I’d be able to argue that not even that 2021 group was at its ceiling. I feel a brand new voice within the dugout not solely elevates that ceiling but additionally elevates the ground from that of an 81-win group.
I’m nonetheless most inquisitive about what recreation preparation and energy/conditioning adjustments are made, as these inform me essentially the most in regards to the long-term outlook of this group. However, I feel a 90-win group that takes the division in what continues to be a really dangerous (and getting worse) AL Central is a practical expectation. From there, something is feasible, as we see yearly. Get in, make some noise, and see what occurs.
@Heckert1John: “Will the White Sox prolong Stop? Or Giolito?”
Honestly, I don’t assume the White Sox will prolong both of those gamers. For Stop, as a consumer of Scott Boras, he’s lengthy been advised about his price. As well as, Stop is sensible sufficient to grasp his personal price and assess whether or not or not he’d wish to take a wager on himself. At present, he might simply discover himself as a $200M pitcher in a couple of years when free company comes round – and sadly, I don’t assume that may be a quantity that the White Sox are prepared to satisfy. Boras isn’t recognized for negotiating hometown reductions both.
In Giolito, Stop has an instance of the dangers of betting on your self. I don’t assume Giolito will look to signal an extension now for his personal good, and in what is basically a contract 12 months, he’ll seemingly be very motivated to make up a number of the misplaced worth from a disastrous 2022 season earlier than even entertaining an extension.
What I can hope for, nonetheless, is an efficient first half from Lucas Giolito and an announcement on the All-Star Break that the group has negotiated an extension with him. Solely time will inform, nonetheless.
@lpickens: “Why are the White Sox not excited by Johnny Cueto?”
I’ll begin by saying I’ve heard if the White Sox didn’t signal Mike Clevinger, they had been seemingly simply going to pivot and attempt to re-sign Johnny Cueto. Take that with a grain of salt clearly, however I’m unsure that the White Sox by no means had any curiosity in Cueto – they only appeared to choose Clevinger. They appreciated Cueto loads on the South Aspect.
Nonetheless, it’s fascinating that no group has signed Cueto but, and I feel it’s as a result of there’s a number of concern about what his 2023 season might seem like relative to the value he’ll command. Cueto might be a 37-year-old pitch-to-contact pitcher subsequent season, so it’s honest to have some issues about total efficiency. After posting a 2.87 ERA and three.88 FIP in his first 20 begins, his final 4 of the season got here with a 6.17 ERA, although apparently only a 3.28 FIP. So, it’s an fascinating stretch of baseball to have a look at for Cueto – however, clearly, groups aren’t essentially leaping on the likelihood to go get him simply but. I feel it’s honest to have issues about efficiency, and for the White Sox, while you get the efficiency you probably did from Cueto at simply $3M, it’s arduous to need it at another increased value.
I might see the White Sox bringing him again if he’s prepared to take a sixth man/lengthy reliever position, nonetheless, I don’t assume that is very seemingly. As his profession involves an finish, he’s going to need to attempt to pitch 160-180 innings this season, and at present, the White Sox can’t assure that to him.
If I needed to guess? He’ll seemingly head to a rebuilding group and be an superior mentor. If he performs effectively, he might be traded on the deadline. If he doesn’t, he’ll journey off into the sundown on certainly one of his horses after a strong main league profession.
@GnawtyBeav: “If you happen to’re dangling Hendriks to a contending group, which might take advantage of sense and doable return? (cough high flight catching prospect). Wait, I’ll reply that. The Dodgers. After which I’d make it a blockbuster, throw in TA to get a much bigger return, and signal Elvis again.”
Let’s begin right here: I’m not prepared to wager on Andrus’ six-week manufacturing to be repeatable. Andrus solely hit .233/.258/.395 over his closing 20 video games with the group, which feels much more like what the White Sox ought to anticipate to get from him than the .305/.336/.526 line they acquired in his first 24 video games with the group.
Again to the Hendriks query. At this level, both the Dodgers, Yankees, or Braves (who at the moment are with out Kenley Jansen) seemingly take advantage of sense. Their greatest catching prospect, Diego Cartaya, is the Ninth-best prospect in all of baseball, so Hendriks wouldn’t be practically sufficient of a return there. As we simply noticed, a top-flight catching prospect was simply traded for a 6-WAR centerfielder/catcher, so I don’t assume Hendriks will get that completed. Gamers like Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, or Gavin Stone seemingly make extra sense.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a top-flight catching prospect, Kevin Parada from the Mets would possibly make some sense if Hendriks is the return, and we all know the Mets have had an curiosity in Hendriks. Logan O’Hoppe from the Angels might additionally match right here, although the necessity isn’t there due to Raisel Iglesias. Nonetheless, actually good catching prospects are nonetheless arduous to come back by, and Hendriks alone isn’t a adequate of a return. Basically, you would need to make it a blockbuster for those who’re hoping to get a high catching prospect. I don’t know if Anderson is the precise choice on this particular situation, however that is actually an fascinating factor to consider.
@BCurley3: “In your opinion, what would a perfect (whereas being practical) end to the offseason be? 2B, 4th OF, Pitching (SP/RP)? Every other ending touches you’d wish to see past the positions above?”
Let’s take this place by place:
- 2B: most likely would favor to simply deal with this internally, wouldn’t hate a Jurickson Profar signing.
- 4th OF: Adam Duvall, if solely so one thing in my Offseason Plan might be right. Duvall additionally has a connection to the present White Sox hitting coach (Jose Castro) from their time collectively in Atlanta.
- SP/RP: SP depth will seemingly come within the type of MiLB signings at this level; no extra money on RP, please.
If the White Sox can discover a beginning pitcher who’s prepared to get extra of a swing-man/sixth starter-type position, then I’d be comfortable for the group to exit and get them. Nonetheless, Benintendi was seemingly the big-ticket merchandise this offseason. I might see the group deciding to commerce both Kendall Graveman or Joe Kelly, believing they don’t want each of them (they might be right in that perception) whereas allocating that cash elsewhere. Nonetheless, I don’t assume something listed above could be too costly or out of the realm of risk.
@MLO3535: “What’s Jose Ramirez’s timeline to get a call-up? He appears blocked, however a 2023 arrival is smart if he’s his regular self in early 2023.”
I feel you imply Jose Rodriguez right here, although as a fan of an AL Central group, I can perceive how Jose Ramirez lives rent-free in your head as he does mine.
Jose Rodriguez’s improvement timeline actually depends upon what he does in AAA. It appears seemingly that he’ll make it there in 2023 sooner somewhat than later, maybe solely spending a while in AA to get his toes underneath him after his wrist harm from late final season. Nonetheless, he may even solely be 22 years previous subsequent season, so there’s not essentially a cause to hurry his improvement. He undoubtedly has a swing-first mentality on the plate, although his practically 8% stroll fee in 2022 was encouraging to see. One other 12 months break up between AA and AAA might most likely assist him refine his plate strategy and proceed to get some at-bats that can assist promote his improvement. If all goes effectively, a late 2023 cup of espresso wouldn’t be out of the query, although 2024 is much more practical.
As for being “blocked,” I wouldn’t fear about that till we’re positive that Lenyn Sosa is the longer term at second base. If he isn’t, a spot opens for Rodriguez. If he’s, that’s an excellent downside for the White Sox to have that they not often do.
@brewergreg: “(1) If Lopez is high-leverage, and Velasquez is gone, who’re the lengthy guys? (2) What does Cespedes need to do to get some MLB at-bats? The White Sox have to develop guys, not inventory the minors with 25-year-olds.”
(1) Possible Garrett Crochet, as Ethan Katz has talked about he would have an analogous position to the one Michael Kopech had in 2020. Additionally search for Davis Martin and Jimmy Lambert to get innings right here, as each are starters who seemingly aren’t going to have a lot to show by taking part in within the minors. The White Sox will seemingly give a number of innings out of all three of those gamers in a protracted reduction position in 2023.
(2) Cespedes hit .258/.332/.437 in AA final season with a 30.1% strikeout fee, which isn’t phenomenal. He might seemingly use some seasoning in AAA, however he seemingly has a reasonably low ceiling total as a participant. He’s very robust defensively in any respect outfield positions, so if the White Sox actually needed to, they might give him some innings as a fourth outfielder in 2023. Nonetheless, he seemingly received’t command rather more taking part in time than that, and if the White Sox are contemplating Oscar Colas to be Plan A in RF on Opening Day, then it will be smarter for them to have a confirmed veteran as his backup on the bench, simply in case issues don’t go as deliberate and Colas struggles mightily out of the gate. Nonetheless, it will be good if Cespedes might present a bit of bit extra plate self-discipline on the decrease ranges that he needs to be dominating as a 25-year-old.
@michaeldurkin58: “Who’s going to be the left within the rotation?”
Nicely, as of proper now, nobody. The White Sox may have loads of left-handed pitching within the bullpen (Garrett Crochet, Aaron Bummer, Jake Diekman), and Crochet is prone to get some begins all year long in a kind of flex position. Nonetheless, I don’t assume it’s seemingly that the White Sox break camp with a right-hander of their rotation. And truthfully, that’s advantageous – I personally consider the concentrate on needing a lefty within the rotation is overblown except you will have a real lefty ace. Loads of actually good rotations don’t characteristic a lefty.
If Mike Minor, Danny Duffy, or Wade Miley are prepared to take MiLB offers or pitch as a sixth man/lengthy reduction man, which may be price exploring. Nonetheless, the White Sox clearly most well-liked Clevinger over any of their choices – so we should see how that works out.
Pace Spherical!
@odell_the_juice: “Are the present White Sox nearer to a different rebuild or World Sequence rivalry?”
It actually depends upon what they do that season and into subsequent offseason. At present, they’re means nearer to a contender – and each group that makes the playoffs is a World Sequence contender. If issues go effectively this 12 months, they aren’t going to tear it down.
As well as, they wouldn’t have signed Andrew Benintendi to a five-year deal if that they had any actual thought of rebuilding. The primary part of this rivalry window will finish this season, and some huge cash will come off the books whereas the core continues to be intact. Simply re-tool and take a look at once more whereas the AL Central continues to be horrendous. Now’s undoubtedly not the time to rebuild, and if issues actually aren’t working at present, subsequent offseason provides the right time to re-tool.
@thecinco_5: “How a lot is it to purchase this group away from Jerry?”
In all probability far more cash than I’ve.
@TarynnWanderer: “Is it getting time that MLB switches to a European soccer league format because the identical, big-budget groups are inclined to make the post-season yearly?”
Honestly, as a result of the correlation between spending cash and successful is so intently linked, extra groups ought to think about spending extra money. If you happen to construct it, they may come…
@lpn1983: “Share on Colas being RF starter?“
I’d say 90%. I’d be shocked at this level if he didn’t begin on the roster – the way in which they’ve talked about him makes it fairly clear that they view him as Plan A for my part.
@sam_gutterman: “Is that this the season the place Eloy Jimenez stays wholesome?”
I positive hope so. There aren’t any nets, fences, or different gamers to run into because the designated hitter. I additionally assume staying off his legs extra constantly will assist him.
@BrianRios9649: “Who may have the most effective bounce-back season: Lucas Giolito, Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, or Luis Robert (dangerous second half)?”
By way of total distinction from 2022, I feel Grandal has the most effective bounce-back. Robert’s dangerous second half was injury-related, so I’m not studying an excessive amount of into that. Giolito will 100% be higher, and I feel a brand new voice and strategy with Pedro Grifol will assist Yoan Moncada a ton.
I’m optimistic about all of them – nonetheless, Grandal’s season was so dangerous with virtually no brilliant spots that in a world the place all 4 of those gamers bounce again, Grandal is the most effective of all of them by default.
@MountEloy: “Do you assume the White Sox will make a commerce earlier than New 12 months’s, and in that case, for what positions?”
I feel it’s the time of 12 months after we received’t actually see any motion till the brand new 12 months. Carlos Correa, someway, continues to be seemingly taking over most groups’ time – at the very least those that aren’t taking a while away for the vacations.
My prediction is that if/when the White Sox do make a commerce, it should both be for a second baseman or backup catcher.
@madler1023: “What’s the Opening Day batting order and roster?”
Right here’s what I might go together with if I had been Pedro Grifol:
- Bench: Leury Garcia/Romy Gonzalez, Seby Zavala/Carlos Perez, Gavin Sheets, Yoelquis Cespedes/Victor Reyes
I wager the group nonetheless decides so as to add a fourth outfielder, nonetheless. This bench will get skinny FAST.
As for the rotation:
And the bullpen:
I might anticipate Jimmy Lambert and Davis Martin to additionally get loads of innings right here all year long.
Once you actually draw it out, this group has a number of expertise.
@johnsaksa: “When will the White Sox convert Michael Kopech to a more in-depth?“
Hopefully by no means. I’ve seen this take loads, and it occurs loads as flamethrowers take a while to develop.
Kopech’s improvement path has been damage by Tommy John Surgical procedure and opting out of the 2020 COVID season. In the event that they had been to transform him, it will seemingly occur after this season if the group determines Kopech can not bodily get to 160-180 IP whereas nonetheless pitching successfully. For now, nonetheless, his stuff is just too good to relegate him to the bullpen – observe the variations between Reynaldo Lopez’s stuff and Michael Kopech’s stuff for those who’re on the lookout for the precise time to maneuver somebody to the bullpen.
We additionally had these identical conversations as Dylan Stop developed, and effectively, we see how that turned out. Give it time.
@andrade26bc: “Will Jordan win #SoxMath?”
Can’t hold the King down endlessly.
@SamR33v3s: “What number of relievers will Rick Hahn purchase by Opening Day?”
As many Katz Lab tasks as he can get. Katz Truthers, stand up.
@GeneJenke: “Why is the White Sox entrance workplace so dangerous in each means doable?”
A tad drastic of a query. To reply truthfully, I feel a number of the shortcomings of the White Sox come from: (1) a historic lack of minor-league improvement, and (2) a scarcity of analytically-inclined play on the sector. Spending cash is fickle, and groups just like the Rays present you theoretically can win with out spending. Nonetheless, attempting to win with out spending cash is like attempting to run a marathon with out sneakers: you are able to do it, nevertheless it’s a lot simpler for those who simply purchase trainers. However, for those who’re going to spend lower than different groups, then it is advisable to succeed on the margins in free company and develop your inner expertise effectively. The White Sox have improved from the Mark Teahan and Gordon Beckham days, however they’re nonetheless behind the 8-ball in each of these areas. Mission Birmingham reveals that they’re at the very least attempting new issues, nonetheless, so there’s promise throughout the group.
On the finish of the day, all I do know is that if they employed me, the group would win the World Sequence yearly from 2023-2027. I can’t show it although, you’ll simply need to belief me.
This was an extremely enjoyable train, so because of everybody who despatched of their questions! We’ll hopefully do one other certainly one of these as soon as the offseason involves an finish and we’re getting set for the 2023 Spring Coaching season.
Till then, hope you take pleasure in what’s left of the vacation season, and I want you all a really comfortable and wholesome New 12 months!
Observe us @SoxOn35th for extra!
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